Big Pond is one of the two larger ponds in the Catskills accessible to the public. Located in the Western Catskills, near Alder Pond, it has eight paddle in or hike in tent sites, and some pretty views.
I paddled in on August 17, 2010. These are the pictures I took paddling around the lake.
Night is Creeping Up on Me. I didnβt realize how quickly it got late at Big Pond, and I had even started dinner. To make matters worst, my white-gas lantern wouldnβt start, so I had to do everything by flash light.
Towards the Dam. On this valley fog morning.
Barkaboom Mountain Before Dawn. The early rays of sun have yet to hit it on this beautiful morning.
Fishermen. Out before the crack of dawn, dropping their line and testing their luck on Big Pond.
Light Hits Bank. The first rays hit the western bank of the lake, providing some of the greens of the day once again.
Sunrises. Through the fog as Iβm paddling around the lake.
Fog is Burning Off. Along the Western Edge of the lake towards Barkaboom Mountain.
Rays of Sun. Sparkle down on the lake as it continues to clear on out.
Fishing. Man covers his eyes as he looks out across the water.
South. Looking down and across the lake as morning arrives.
Sunlight sparkles through the trees. Good Morning on Big Pond.
Barkaboom Mountain Reflects On the Lake.
Across the Lake. As I am making breakfast on this Sunday morning in the Catskills.
Inholding. While most of Big Pond is part of the Middle Mountain Wild Forest, about 200 feet of shore line is privately owned. The folks in the cabin where really friendly when they stopped by in their electric pontoon boat, but it did kind of wreck the scenic view especially from where I was camping.
Dogs Swimming in Big Pond. This is at one of the other campsites at Big Pond.
Big Pond, as seen from the Parking Area.
Here is a map of Big Pond. The inholding is not shown on this map, and the DEC land boundaries are incorrect, extending farther north then the map shows.
Last weekend, after hiking up to Slide Mountain, I decided to drive another 30 minutes west to Balsam Lake Mountain. This was the final fire tower in the five remaining trails in the Catskills.
Across from the Dry Brook Parking Area is the blue trail heading south to the Balsam Lake Fire Tower. It is not well marked, but there is one sign that points across the lot, then this well worn sign at the start of the old woods road that leads to the fire tower.
The first 2.25 miles of the trail runs entirely through private lands, and is heavily posted. There is also very few blue markers, so donβt be surpised until you reach the kisok that you feel you are on the wrong trail.
Seeing this was very re-assuring, as I signed my name into the book, and knew I was on the real trail. The kiosk is set about 1/4 mile back from the road. But if youβve seen the first sign, your okay, as youβll eventually reach the kiosk.
Here is a picture of the old woods road. When the tower was open, the Ranger could drive all the way up there. Today, you can technically drive in until you get to the start of the state land, although it would be rough without a pickup. This trail is not particularly steep.
Along the trail is several old telephone polls, used to carry telegraph and/or telphone lines up to the way up it.
At 2.25 miles you reach the intersection of the blue and red trails, the red one that takes you to the tower. It might be only 3/4 miles to the tower, but you still have to go an additional 600 feet in elevation, on a trail with several moderately steep uphill.
At 2.5 miles you reach the Balsam Lake State Forest, and about a minute later, you reach the 3,500 elevation mark.
You climb and you climb, and the trail opens up. You think your at the top when you here, but your not. Think about hiking for another 15 minutes.
Finally, you see the Rangerβs station and the tower. This makes you happy, especially if you climbed Slide Mountain before this.
The fire tower is staffed on summer weekends, and the cab is open for inspection. At the Rangerβs cabin, there is historic posters from back in the day when the tower was staffed.
Hereβs the tower against the very grey sky.
There are some views from the tower, but not super interesting or exciting. Maybe if it was clearer, with deep blue skies it would be a lot purtier.
Here is the inside of the cab of the tower. There is a fixed map to help the ranger in the past observe where a forest fire was, and then call down to the firefighters.
Hereβs the Rangerβs Cabin from up top in the tower.
About 200 feet lower, and a 1/4 mile to the south, there is a spring. Also nearby is a lean-to, that is popular on the weekends.